Michael Cohen, President Trump's former personal attorney, said Monday he has reconciled with Trump after years of conflict. Cohen made the statement during an appearance on "Cats & Cosby Show" on 77 WABC radio with hosts John Catsimatidis and Rita Cosby.
Cohen's relationship with Trump fractured dramatically in 2018 when Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations and tax fraud. He cooperated with federal prosecutors and later testified against Trump in legal proceedings, including during Trump's first impeachment inquiry. Cohen served prison time for his crimes and became a vocal Trump critic, publishing a memoir titled "Disloyal" in 2020 that detailed his years working for the former president.
The reconciliation marks a striking reversal. Cohen attributed the rapprochement to actions by what he called the "far left," suggesting that legal and political attacks on Trump strengthened their relationship. The former attorney has maintained a public presence through media appearances and commentary but remained estranged from Trump for several years.
The development carries political implications given Cohen's history as an insider with direct knowledge of Trump's business practices and personal behavior. During congressional testimony, Cohen provided details about Trump's conduct that congressional investigators scrutinized. His willingness to speak publicly against Trump made him a polarizing figure among Trump supporters.
Cohen's statement arrives as Trump faces multiple legal challenges and prepares for a potential 2024 presidential run. The reconciliation could influence how Cohen discusses Trump publicly going forward. Trump has previously expressed willingness to pardon associates convicted of crimes, and Cohen has not explicitly ruled out accepting such a pardon.
The exact nature and extent of their reconciliation remain unclear. Cohen did not provide specific details about how the two reconnected or what prompted the change in their relationship.